For a long time, Canadians who were acting in self-defence would have a difficult time legally justifying their actions, as the Criminal Code contained multiple provisions that addressed the issue of self-defence and it was challenging for many judges to explain the nuances of the law to juries. As a result, the Code was revised, and in June 2013, the Citizen’s Arrest and Self-defence Act came into effect, amending the many existing sections of the Criminal Code that had caused confusion about the extent of the right to self-defence in Canada.

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If you find yourself in a jail cell after an arrest, or get a desperate call from a loved one who has suffered that fate, getting released from jail is likely the first if not only thing on your mind. That means bail, and that means a bail hearing to determine whether you will regain your freedom or remain behind bars. Bail hearings often constitute the only opportunity to regain freedom right after an arrest, so it is crucial to retain an experienced Ontario criminal defence lawyer who understands how bail hearings work and who can give you or your loved one the best chance of being released from custody. Continue reading →

As discussed here, I am currently representing a U.S. man who, due to an unreliable GPS, accidentally drove towards Ontario with a gun that he had forgotten was stored in the console of his car.

This honest mistake has resulted in my client facing a June trial and the possibility of a three-year jail sentence for inadvertently violating Canada’s strict gun control laws. We are vigorously fighting these charges, and my client will be here in Canada to clear his name.  But it is a cautionary tale for anyone entering Canada with firearms. Continue reading →